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Newton awards $186,040 contract to replace failing wastewater thickener drive assemblies
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Summary
The council awarded Rebuid‑it Service Group a $186,040 contract (plus $18,660 contingency) to replace two failing drive assemblies at Clark Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant after staff found parts are obsolete and the units risk imminent failure and regulatory noncompliance.
Newton City Council on April 6 awarded a contract to replace two failing drive assemblies at the Clark Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant after staff reported the units were vibrating and could fail, risking noncompliance with land‑application pH requirements.
Public Works and Utilities Assistant Director Dennis Falder said the plant’s four thickener basins mix sludge with lime to reach the pH and consistency required for permitted land application. Falder told council that drive assemblies 3 and 4 — each over 45 years old — began vibrating and that replacement was the only viable option because parts to rebuild the units are not available. He warned that failing to maintain required pH before land application could lead to fines and environmental problems.
The city received two bids: Rebuid‑it Service Group at $186,040 and Kemp Construction Inc. at $267,700. Staff recommended Rebuid‑it as the lowest qualified and most responsive bidder and asked for a contingency of $18,660, bringing the total construction budget to $204,700. The council unanimously adopted the related budget amendment and awarded the contract; the motions were made and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver and Council Member Anne Wepner respectively.
Council Member Ed Sain asked for a report on plant spending over the past 20 years, which staff agreed to provide.
Next steps: staff will execute the contract with Rebuid‑it Service Group and schedule replacement work and associated reporting required for environmental compliance.